I am so frustrated.

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Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

It has been six months since I graduated and I still don't have a job. When I say I have applied everywhere, I mean LITERALLY everywhere - hospitals, LTC, subacute, VA, hospice, VNA...without any luck at all. I've even applied to other states that are within a 1.5 hour driving distance. My student loan grace period is almost up, I'm supposed to get married next year and now that's nearly impossible, and I have been an emotional wreck for weeks. I'm not sleeping and I can't stop crying. I made the mistake of getting my hopes up because a pediatric ER near me is extremely short-staffed right now and they take new grads. I applied and talked to the HR recruiter who said that normally they can take new grads without problem but because they're so direly short-staffed they can only accomodate RNs with experience right now. I am sooo frustrated. I can't even get into a place that is short-staffed. I did very well in school and have tech experience, and have been proactive about finding a position (networking, job fairs, walking into HR, frequent phone calls, and even talking to nurse managers), and I get the same story every time. They're full to the max with new grads and can't even give all of their PCAs a position. I really wanted this position and I'm so disappointed I can't even stand it, even though I knew better than to get my hopes up. I've even obtained extra certifications to try and make myself more marketable. I just don't know what to do. I feel like such a failure.

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They can't take you because they're short staffed? I don't understand - does that mean a lack of preceptors? What area of the country are you in?

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, PACU, Travel nursing.

Hang in there. The market is tough for new grads right now from what I hear. I really hope something works out for you:)

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Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

Yes, lack of preceptors. I can believe that only because there were six positions posted for this pedi ER. I'm in MA.

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srsly...a LTC said no? Wow...in our area they take anyone

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Specializes in LTC.

Wow even LTC wouldnt take you? Holy cow, that was my first job... LTC facilities are always in need of nurses...keep your head up girl. You will find a job and you will do just fine. You are not a failure! Look what you accomplished already!:nurse:..Keep going...Believe in yourself....the jobs are out there!:redbeathe

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I don't know where in Ma you are, but here's what I know...

Day Kimball in Putnam, CT (~20min south of Worcester) has a couple postings for a RN and they almost always take recent grads (www.daykimball.org)

also, have you checked umass memorial... i saw a ton of openings on their job board the other day that pretty much said you only had to have graduated and hold a license (http://www.umassmemorial.org/MedicalCenterIP.cfm?id=4135)

Keep on keepin' on!

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You're not a failure - please don't believe that. Hang in there and I'm sure something will turn up for you. If all else fails, try to network - is there anyone in your graduating class that got a job that you were friendly with? Perhaps they can help you out.

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:wink2:rethink for yourself.. if you can find another career. nursing is very demanding and non-rewarding, and the pay sucks. let the new grads jump in and get burnt out , meanwhile if you have to stay just let it go. do as little as possible within your scope of practice. your sanity is more important. :up:

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:wink2:rethink for yourself.. if you can find another career. nursing is very demanding and non-rewarding, and the pay sucks. let the new grads jump in and get burnt out , meanwhile if you have to stay just let it go. do as little as possible within your scope of practice. your sanity is more important. :up:

hmmmm

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what does that above comment have anything to do with her troubles?

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Specializes in psych,maternity, ltc, clinic.

Just want to join with the others in saying not to be discouraged.

Here is my advice for what it's worth.

I know you arent working as a nurse, yet, but are you working anywhere? Try group homes or elderly companions places, work as a tech/aide, just to get some money coming in and decrease your anxiety. Get an evening shift and then have the day to look for a job. I kept my nurse aide job til I got a RN job( 15 years ago). The place where I was an aide had a hiring freeze as soon as I graduated:) I had hoped to get on there.

Have you tried home health? Seems like lots of home health agencies here in MN. are hiring new grads.

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